Where Can I See Wildlife in Rwanda? | Where to Go for Wildlife Trips in Rwanda

All wildlife trips on your Rwanda safaris occur in Akagera National Park. Continue reading more about the wonders of this national park.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is managed by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and it is 1,122 km2. This savannah part is located in the Northeastern part of Rwanda bordering Rwanda and Tanzania.

Akagera is Rwanda’s only savannah national park and it provides amazing Rwanda wildlife safari experiences.

This national park covers savannah plains, woodlands, and swamps. Akagera National Park also has different lakes that are fed by the Akagera River. These include Lake Ihema and Lake Shakani.

With a wide population of over 13,500 game animals according to the 2018 census, Akagera National Park also boasts 500 bird species, therefore an amazing national park for bird watching during your Rwanda safari.

On your wildlife tours in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, you will participate in beautiful game drives, nature walks, and a boat cruise on Lake Ihema.

During your Rwanda wildlife safari tours, you will also meet various wildlife species for example the,

• Lions
• Leopards
• Cape Buffalos
• Savannah and Forest Elephants
• Black Rhinos
• Zebras
• Giraffes
• Hippos
• Various antelope species for example Elands, Uganda Kobs, and Roan Antelopes

However, you can also do a wildlife safari in Rwanda at Volcanoes NP, especially for Rwanda Gorilla trekking and Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Are There Wild Animals in Rwanda | What Wild Animals are in Rwanda? | What Animals Do You See on Safari in Rwanda?

What is the wildlife in Rwanda? There are over 136 mammal species and about 15 primate species to watch on your Rwanda safari.

Your game viewing tour during a Rwanda safari will allow you to view various game animals in Akagera NP and other national parks like Volcanoes NP during Gorilla trekking to meet a Gorilla family (Gorilla group).

Below are the common wildlife species to view on your Rwanda tour:

1. Carnivorous game animals:

There are various carnivorous wildlife species to explore on your Rwanda wildlife safari holidays in Akagera NP and some of them include Lions, Leopards, Side Stripped Jackals, and many others.

2. Primate species:

Primates in Rwanda include the endangered Mountain Gorillas that you can view in Volcanoes NP through Gorilla trekking to find one of the Gorilla families. You will also explore the Chimpanzee species of Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Nonetheless, other primate species in the country include Golden Monkeys, and other monkey species for example Blue Monkeys, Black and white Colobus Monkeys, and the rare L’hoest’s Monkey, among other monkey species.

You can also view various other primate species in the night game drive during your Rwanda safari, especially the Pottos and Bushbabies.

Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park are the major national parks for viewing the primate species on your Rwanda safari. You can do Gorilla trekking and Chimpanzee tracking respectfully in these parks.

The Gorilla families and Golden Monkeys can only be seen in Volcanoes National Park on your Gorilla trekking to see a Gorilla group or tracking Golden Monkeys. On the other hand, primate species for example the Black and White Colobus Monkeys in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

3. Bird species:

There are more than 700 bird species to view in a Rwanda safari and some of them include the Rwenzori Turaco, Sunbirds, the Handsome Francolin, Herons, Bee-Eaters, Papyrus Gonolek, Narina Trogon, and Grey-Crowned Cranes among others.

You can view these bird species in Nyungwe Forest National Park or Volcanoes NP during your Gorilla trekking in Rwanda to explore one of the many Gorilla families, nature walks, or independent birding expeditions.

4. Herbivores animals:

There are also different herbivore wildlife species, for example, Buffalos, Giraffes, Black, Rhinos, Zebras, Forest Elephants, Hippos, and various antelope species to view on a Rwanda safari.

Apart from Akagera NP, some of these animals can be seen in Volcanoes NP during Gorilla trekking in Rwanda to meet one of the 12 Gorilla families or independent wildlife tours.

5. Reptiles:

You will also view different reptiles in the country including the Snakes, Nile Crocodiles, and Pythons.

What are the Big Five in Rwanda?

Rwanda is among the few African safari destinations to watch the Big Five. The Big Five can only be seen in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park.

The Big Five to watch on your Rwanda safaris include:

1. Lions
2. Leopards
3. Elephants
4. Buffalos
5. Black Rhinos

Are There Big Cats in Rwanda?

Yes, Rwanda has big cats and the common ones include Lions, Leopards, and Cheetahs. You will spot these animals during your wildlife safari tours in Rwanda’s Akagera Park, which is about a 2 to 3-hour drive from Kigali City.

Are There Lions in Rwanda | Can You See Lions in Rwanda?

Yes, there are Lions in Akagera NP in Rwanda to view on your Rwanda wildlife safari. Akagera NP is Rwanda’s only savannah national park located in the Eastern province along the Tanzania border.

Lions in Akagera NP can be seen during a game drive on your Rwanda wildlife safari trips.

Are There Leopards in Rwanda?

Yes, there are also Leopards to view during your Rwanda wildlife safari adventures in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park.

You can spot these elusive creatures on a night game drive on your Rwanda safari since that is the time when they are most active.

Does Rwanda Have Tigers?

There are no Tigers to view on your Rwanda tour. However, on your Rwanda wildlife safari tours, you will meet various animals for example the Rhinos, Elephants, Lions, and Zebras, among others.

Can You See Elephants in Rwanda?

Rwanda is among the best safari destinations in East Africa to view more than 100 Elephants mostly in Akagera and Volcanoes national parks.

These Elephants are recognized to be the biggest animals on land as they weigh up to 6000 kg and they have a life span of about 60 years.

Top Attractions and Safaris to do with your Rwanda Wildlife Safari | Rwanda Tour – Major Attractions | Rwanda Wildlife Safari Major Activities

A wildlife holiday during your Rwanda safari can be accompanied by various other expeditions to make your experiences more memorable and enjoyable. Below are some examples of the tours that you can undertake during your Rwanda safaris.

1. Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours in Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda, also dubbed the “land of a thousand hills” is found in East Africa and is one of the best destinations for captivating Gorilla tracking Rwanda tours in which you get to meet a habituated Gorilla group.

This experience is your chance to meet the last remaining endangered Mountain Gorillas in their misty thick forest in Volcanoes National Park.

On Gorilla trekking to meet a Gorilla family or Gorilla group, you will awe at the Gorillas which are the world’s largest primate species weighing about 100 to 270kg.

Apart from viewing a Gorilla family during your Gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park, you will also meet various bird species for example the Red Chested Sunbird, and other wildlife species for example the Forest Elephants.

Once you meet a Mountain Gorilla family during your Gorilla safari in Volcanoes National Park, you will also spend a valuable one hour with them and you can take as many photos as you can with them.

To purchase the Mountain Gorilla trekking permits, you can either contact the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or you can have your tour operator purchase them for you.

Once you meet the Mountain Gorillas while on Gorilla trekking in Rwanda tours, you will be subjected to follow a lot of rules including keeping a 7m to 10m distance away from them.

Apart from the Gorillas, you can also view different mammal species in the park.

How Much is Gorilla Trek in Rwanda | How Much Does it Cost to See Gorillas in Rwanda? | How Much is Gorilla Experience in Rwanda?

The Gorilla trekking experience on Rwanda tours costs $ 1500.

Knowing the cost of Gorilla trekking is among the most important aspects that you should consider while going for your Gorilla trekking tour in Volcanoes National Park.

How Much is Gorilla Experience in Rwanda? | How Much is a Gorilla Safari in Rwanda? | How Much are Gorilla Tours in Rwanda?

Visiting Mountain Gorillas on a Rwanda tour for Gorilla trekking does not have a definite cost. Different factors will thus determine the cost of your Mountain Gorilla trekking holidays during your Rwanda tours.

Below are some of the factors to consider for the cost of your Mountain Gorilla trekking vacation during your Rwanda safari to meet one of the Gorilla families.

• The group number coming for Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can help to manage costs, thus making it cheaper for each individual as you will have to share costs for mostly accommodation and transportation.
• The class of accommodation that one chooses for their Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is also a determinant of your safari cost as luxury of more costly than midrange or budget accommodation.
• Transportation costs to the Gorilla trekking destination will depend on the cost of the vehicle that you plan to use as some vehicles will consume more fuel than others.
• The type and number of activities that you plan to do on top of Gorilla trekking in Rwanda will also affect the cost of your Rwanda safaris.

Is it Safe to Travel to Rwanda to See Gorillas? | How Safe is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

For travelers undertaking Mountain Gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park, it is important to mind the safety of the country.

The good news is that a Rwanda tour is safe and below, we look at the various reasons why Rwanda is ranked among the safest countries to travel to in Africa.

• Rwanda was recognized as the 6th safest country in the world for solo travelers, thus making it the safest in Africa. The government, through the Rwanda Patriotic Font, has helped to keep the peace after the tragic 1994 genocide.
• You will always have an armed and trained game ranger to guide you through the Gorilla trekking and hiking trails.
• Park rangers also patrol the different protected areas like Akagera and Volcanoes National Park to make sure that the wildlife including the Gorillas are kept safe from poachers. Thus, safer wildlife tours and Gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
• Mountain Gorilla trekking on your Rwanda tour is only done on habituated Mountain Gorilla families that are already used to human presence.

Gorilla Trekking Rwanda vs. Uganda | Is Gorilla Trekking Better in Rwanda or Uganda? | Which is better to see Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda?

Rwanda and Uganda are both exquisite destinations for gorilla trekking tours in Africa. Some national parks in these two countries are home to the rare Gorillas. However, depending on the level of experience that one would like to have, one will choose a specific destination for that reason.

Is Uganda or Rwanda Better for Gorilla Trekking?

Below are a few differences that can help you choose the best destination for your Mountain Gorilla trekking tour between the two countries.

• A Mountain Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs 700 USD. In Rwanda, a permit is 1500 USD thus the activity cost is cheaper in Uganda.
• Uganda has about 50% of the Mountain Gorillas on earth in the two national parks which are Mgahinga and Bwindi, thus making it the most famous destination for Gorilla trekking.
• Uganda has more than 20 habituated Gorilla families for Gorilla trekking adventures and Rwanda has 12. This makes Uganda sell more Gorilla permits than Rwanda.
• Uganda provides Mountain Gorilla habituation experience on the Bikingi Gorilla family/Gorilla group in Rushaga, on top of Gorilla trekking. On the other hand, Rwanda does not offer Gorilla habituation for any Gorilla families.  This, thus makes Uganda more favorable for travelers who would like to carry out Mountain Gorilla habituation to make a Gorilla family used to human presence.
• Although with a thick forest, the Bwindi terrains are easier to trek than the ones in Rwanda’s Volcanoes which are steeper.

2. Chimpanzee Tracking Tours in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Chimpanzee tracking tours in Nyungwe National Park rank among the best safari activities to do in Rwanda on your amazing holiday tours.

This amazing experience in Nyungwe Forest National Park will allow you to do Chimpanzee tracking and meet Chimps in their natural habitat as they move through the Nyungwe Forest Floor!

On your Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park, you will also meet other primate species in the country for example the Black and White Colobus Monkeys and other wildlife species for example the African Forest Elephants.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is also famous for the Nyungwe forest canopy walk which will reveal the beautiful scenery of the park as seen from above.

3. Bird Watching Tours in Rwanda

Bird enthusiasts should prepare for the views of over 703 bird species to watch in the country, including, more than 29 Albertine Rift Endemics and many Lake Victoria Biome species.

Among these bird species include the Red-chested Bee-eaters, Handsome Francolin, Neumann’s Warbler, Regal Sunbirds, Rwenzori Turaco, Grauer’s Warbler, etc.

Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Volcanoes National Park are among the best destinations and national parks for birding in Rwanda. Apart from these national parks, Lake Kivu is also an amazing spot to view the numerous water bird species.

However, Nyungwe Forest National Park is considered the best destination for spotting the Albertine rift endemic bird species.

4. Cultural Tours

Cultural tours in Rwanda are one of the best adventures that will allow you to meet the local people. Get the chance to explore the rich cultures of the locals, their beliefs, traditions, and norms, among others during your cultural tours.

Visitors usually go to the Ibyiwacu Cultural Village to explore the different uniqueness among the local women, men, and kids. You are free to actively participate in the activities of these local people.

The most common adventure is visiting the cultural village of the Batwa people who previously took the thick forest of Volcanoes and the neighboring Mgahinga as their natural habitat.

5. Visiting Rwanda Genocide Memorial Centers

1994 was a year of terror among the Rwandese as it saw the Hutu and Tutsi into a fierce battle in which thousands of people were mercilessly slaughtered. Today there are many sites have been set up to remember the people who fell during this evil saga.

You can visit one of these Genocide memorial sites that hold thousands of human skulls so you can be part of the people who commemorate the death of these people.

Some of the Genocide memorial sites to visit in Rwanda include:

• Nyamata
• Gisozi
• Murambi
• Bisesero
• Ntarama, etc

A professional local guide will reveal to you the history of these people in Rwanda.

However, Rwanda is currently the safest country in Africa to visit and the government together with UN organizations have worked together to make sure that such terror does not happen again.

6. Golden Monkey Trekking

Golden Monkeys are among the most attractive primate species in the world.

Trekking Golden Monkeys is among the activities that many travelers combine with their Mountain Gorilla trekking tours. You will get to meet the endangered Golden Monkeys in the wild through this adventure.

Golden Monkey trekking tours in Rwanda thus occur in Volcanoes National Park. There are 2 habituated Gorilla families of Golden Monkeys with about 80-100 members.

7. Undertaking Mountain Hiking Adventures

Mountain hiking experiences in Rwanda mostly occur at Mount Karisimbi which stands at an altitude of 4,507m above sea level.

However, apart from Mount Kirisimbi, there are other 8 beautiful Mountains that you can hike in the Virunga Conservation Area.

Below is a list of other mountains to hike in Rwanda apart from Mount Karisimbi in the Virunga Mountains.

• Mount Bisoke, has a beautiful crater lake on its top.
• Gahinga Volcanoes
• Sabyinyo Mountain
• Muhabura Mountain

Other Beautiful Experiences to Have on Your Wildlife Tour in Rwanda Include

8. Visiting the Dian Fossey grave: where you can also explore the Karisoke Research Centre.

9. Doing a Rwanda city tour: this land of a thousand hills has one of the cleanest and most organized cities in Africa, with various destinations to visit for example the genocide memorial centers, craft shops, the Amahoro stadium, etc.

10. Relaxation at Lake Kivu: Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest freshwater lake with amazing experiences.

Although a landlocked country, the beaches and islands on the shores of Lake Kivu will give you exceptional experiences.

You can experience the beauty of Lake Kivu through a boat cruise.

Packing List for Rwanda Wildlife Safari | What to Pack for Rwanda Wildlife Safari Tour

As you plan for your game-viewing safari in Rwanda, you may also consider packing the right things to make your adventures more comfortable and enjoyable.

1. A camera
2. Pair of binoculars
3. Sunglasses
4. A sunhat
5. Sunscreens
6. Insect repellents
7. Comfortable hiking shoes
8. Drinking bottled water

Safari Clothes for Your Rwanda Wildlife Safari | What to Wear During Your Wildlife Tour in Rwanda?

Eco-friendly clothes that easily blend with the atmosphere help to keep nature and the animals comfortable. The most recommended colors include Brown and grey. Khaki, and Green.

Avoid white as it picks up dust and dirt more easily, blue usually attracts tsetse flies, especially in tropical regions, black clothes absorb a lot of heat and camouflaging clothes are for the military in many African countries.

Rwanda Hotels – Safari Lodges in Rwanda to Use on Your Wildlife Viewing Vacation

A wildlife safari also includes staying in the best safari lodges that range from luxury to midrange, and budget.

a)   Top Luxury Lodges During Your Rwanda Wildlife Safari

1. Akagera Game Lodge
2. Bisate Lodge
3. Ruzizi Tented Lodge
4. Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
5. Magashi Camp
6. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

b) Best Midrange Lodges to Use on Your Wildlife Trip in Rwanda

1. Karenga Bush Camp
2. Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
3. La Palme Hotel
4. Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

c) Recommended Budget Lodges to Use on Your Wildlife Tour in Rwanda

1. Akagera National Park Camping
2. Dereva hotel
3. Mutamba Akagera Campsite
4. Hotel Muhabura
5. Shakani Akagera Campsite

Best Time to Visit Rwanda for a Wildlife Safari | What is the Best Time of Year to Safari in Rwanda? | When to visit Rwanda for a wildlife tour?

Game-viewing Rwanda safari tours are best done in the dry season from June to August and December to February. The game-viewing adventures are great because the dry season makes the vegetation thin and short for easy views when you tour in Rwanda.

It is also the best time to do Gorilla trekking to meet a Gorilla group of Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park on a Rwanda safari because of the dry hiking trails.

During these months, you will have less rainfall to inconvenience you during adventures like game drives, Gorilla trekking, and birding, among others.

Is Rwanda Good for Safari?

Rwanda has good safaris and tours as you will be able to go for various safari experiences in the nation. The country offers the opportunity to view the many endangered species like Gorillas and Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park during Gorilla trekking or Golden Monkey trekking adventures and Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

You will also be able to view the Big 5 in Akagera National Park when you visit Rwanda.

Why Do You Must Do a Wildlife Trip in Rwanda?

There are many reasons why you should do a wildlife tour in Rwanda, and below, we look at some of these reasons:

1. You can combine your game-viewing safaris with primate tours to experience Mountain Gorilla trekking or Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. You may also visit neighboring countries like Kenya and Tanzania to explore the captivating wildlife
2. Likewise, your Rwanda wildlife safari trips will amaze you with the chance to view all the big five in one place, that is at Akagera National Park. They include the Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, and Rhinos.
3. Birding enthusiasts should prepare for the thrill that awaits them. With 703 bird species recorded in the country, there are also 29 Albertine Rift Endemics and many beautiful Lake Victoria basin endemics.
4. Last but not least, Rwanda is recognized among the top 10 safest countries in the world to visit.

Rwanda Wildlife Safari Cost | How Much is a Wildlife Holiday in Rwanda?

Kindly note that there is no fixed cost for your Rwanda wildlife safari and many of the adventures are determined by various factors as seen below.

1. The Choice of Accommodation to Use

Game-viewing adventures in the country of a thousand hills are accompanied by where to stay. However, your choice of accommodation will determine the cost because the accommodations are categorized into luxury, midrange, and budget.

Luxury accommodations are more expensive than midrange and budget accommodations.

2. The Number of Days to Spend on the Wildlife Tour

The cost of your Rwanda wildlife safari vacation will also include determining the cost of your trip.

For example, you will have to spend on park entrance, transport, accommodation, and meals on each of those days during tours in Nyungwe National Park, Volcanoes NP, Akagera, etc.

3. The Number of People on a Wildlife Trip in Rwanda

The cost of a wildlife adventure increases with a higher number of people during a trip.

On the other hand, it may prove to be cheaper on the side of group members as they may have to share some costs for example on transport and accommodation.

4. Type of Safari Vehicle to Use on the Trip

A Rwanda wildlife safari is also determined by the type of safari vehicle to use for your trip.  A land cruiser is great for use although it is more expensive than a tourist van because of the difference in fuel consumption.

5. The Number of Activities You Wish to Undertake on the Wildlife Trip in Rwanda

More activities for your adventures are great as they will allow you to explore the country more fully. However, with more activities for your adventures are more costs as each activity is paid for.

For instance, travelers with a package that includes Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, and a Wildlife adventure in Rwanda will have a more costly package than a traveler who is only doing a wildlife trip.

Best Rwanda Wildlife Safari Tour Operators to Book on Your Trip 

Below, we look at the most professional and trustworthy tour operators to use during your Rwanda wildlife safari.

1. Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd
2. Wild Gorilla Safaris
3. Africa Safaris Tours
4. Gorilla Safari Rwanda
5. Gorilla Tracking Rwanda
6. Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safaris

Below are Some of the Best Rwanda Wildlife Safari Packages to Explore Rwanda

Amazing trips to Rwanda can either be done solely in the country or be combined with tours to other neighboring countries for example with Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, or Congo tour packages.

Better still, we customize these packages for your private tour to enjoy a more personalized experience.

• 3 days Akagera Wildlife Trip in Rwanda

The highlights of this package include a tour of the only savannah national park in Rwanda, that is Akagera National Park.

Afterward, you will visit Lake Ihema for an amazing boat cruise before winding up with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial centers.

• 4 days wildlife Trip in Rwanda, Gorillas, and community visits

A package for adventure lovers will lead you to trek Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, a game drive in Akagera National Park, and a boat cruise on Lake Ihema.

Additionally, you will visit the Iby’iwachu Village and then proceed to visit the Kigali genocide memorial centers or Lake Kivu for relaxation.

• 6 days Rwanda Trip

This trip includes Gorilla tracking and Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, Chimpanzees, and other primates like the Black and White Colobus Monkeys in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Likewise, you will enjoy the thrilling Nyungwe Forest canopy walk, enlightening cultural tours, exploring the Musanze Caves, relaxing at Lake Kivu, and visiting Kigali City.

Other Amazing Tour Packages in Rwanda

• 9 days Rwanda Trip
• 10 days wildlife trip in Rwanda
• 12 days safari in Rwanda
• 16 days safari tour in Rwanda, etc.

Conclusively, a Rwanda wildlife safari is exceptional and one of the best experiences in the country! The adventure allows you to meet Africa’s big five and other savannah animals in one place that is Akagera National Park.

However, many tourists add other amazing adventures to their wildlife adventures to have a more authentic experience. For example, they can have Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, visit the Ibyiwacu cultural village, or go for relaxation at Lake Kivu, among others.

To explore Rwanda tours, inquire and book your customized Rwanda wildlife safari package today for a memorable private tour.

You can email us about all your inquiries about the Rwanda tour.